Hearing

Examining Invasive Species Policy

• To examine the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISC) and its mission of treating and eradicating invasive species.
• To discuss the harmful impact of the non-native species.

BACKGROUND:

• In 1999, Executive Order 13112 was implemented with the goal of treating and eradicating invasive species. The order created NISC, which is charged with coordinating and tracking the efforts of the government to combat this issue across the executive branch.
• According to NISC, “Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm.” Invasive species can be extremely disruptive to local ecosystems across the country and come in many forms, such as Asian carp, zebra mussels, and cheatgrass.